As we transition from Thanksgiving, into Advent, and on toward Christmas, I thought that it would be nice to give some thanks, speak of hope, and talk of joy.
Category: Columns
Fire in the clinic!
One argument that is often made to justify destroying human embryos begins like this:
Suppose there is a fire in a fertility clinic. You are the only adult present, and there is a newborn baby and a tank of liquid nitrogen with 5,000 frozen embryos in the clinic. You can save only one of them before the place burns down — which would you choose?
Real Christmas presence: No shopping required
When it comes to Christmas presence this year, no shopping is required. Body and blood, soul and divinity, the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist remains the real gift of Christmas.
We celebrate the gift of the incarnation of the Word of God all year long in the Catholic Church. However, our turbulent economy and times, this year, are signaling a Christmas where presents will be fewer and peoples’ needs will be greater.
Even so, just like all the times before, there will be abundant Christmas presence for everyone.
Learning to be thankful is a life-long journey
In his writing prime, Mark Twain reportedly earned five dollars for each word that he wrote in articles that were published.
Even without considering inflation, this is good pay. A friend once playfully sent him a letter with a five dollar bill enclosed. He requested that Mark Twain send him his favorite word.
Catholic teaching relevant as budget woes loom
The latest news out of the State Budget Office confirmed what most state government observers have feared for some time. Wisconsin is facing its most serious budget deficit on record.
Like their counterparts in Washington, state policy makers confront serious choices as they manage Wisconsin’s fiscal house.
Like other crises, financial difficulties can be defining. For it is the choices we make when faced with hard decisions that define who we are and say more about what we value. It is at such times that we are in greatest need of principles and values to guide our judgment and clarify our vision.
Advent invites us to listen like Mary to the Word of God
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus which means coming. During Advent we wait patiently for the coming of Jesus. According to the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar, Advent has a two-fold character. It is a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is remembered. It is also a season when that first remembrance directs our minds and hearts to remember Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Thus Advent is a season of devout and joyful expectation.
Mary is the model of Advent waiting for us because she joyfully, prayerfully, and patiently waited for the birth of Jesus whom she carried in her womb close to her heart.
We are sent to greet the world year-round
Now begins the sending and receiving of greeting cards by the hundreds of thousands. May you enjoy both, especially the messages going and coming to and from your family and friends and all.
Basically, even though you and I do not wear any postage, we might think of ourselves as a greeting all year round. That is because every time a Mass ends, we are sent to our families, friends, and all with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
What about civil rights today?
Months ago I had a conversation with my father that will stick in my memory forever. I told him Barack Obama was a lock to be our next president.
My father who was born in 1940 and raised me to believe all people were created equal regardless of their skin color told me, “I don’t believe the people of the United States will elect an African American in my lifetime.”
Finding answers in Christ’s light
Central Standard Time and Sunday morning recently had one of their twice yearly encounters.
Remembering to set the clock back and getting to Mass on time is always a pleasant accomplishment in spite of now having to turn the lights on a little earlier.
School planning underway
The Steering Committee (for Comprehensive Schools Planning) met for a second time on October 14 and assembled in four teams, each of which will lead one of the four areas of our study and planning.